THE LIBERTINES - LIBERTINES' TRIBUTE TO DOHERTY

THE LIBERTINES played their final gig outside Britain to avoid hurting former bandmate PETE DOHERTY's feelings.

Doherty was forced to quit the band last May (04) after failing to kick his addictions to heroin and crack cocaine.

His attempts to reconcile with bandmates CARL BARAT, JOHN HASSAL and GARY POWELL have since failed - but the three insisted on bowing out at a gig in Paris last month (18DEC04) as a mark of respect to the singer.

Barat says, "I'd like to have (played a tour of Britain), but the reason I didn't was because I didn't want to upset Peter, really. I didn't want to rub it in his face. I believe I've done the right thing. I hope he understands it.

"Of course I'd have loved to play Britain. I'm EnglishÂ… contrary to popular belief. I love the British crowds. I feel a loyalty, affinity and unity with him whatever plight he seems to have been trudged through."